Những bài mẫu band 9 ielts writing

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TỔNG HỢP CÁC BÀI MẪU WRITING TASK 2 BAND 9.0
VIẾT BỞI THẦY SIMON

Dưới đây là 25 bài sample essays được viết bởi thầy Simon. Mình tổng hợp lại và cập nhật thêm các bài
viết mẫu gần đây của thầy. Ngoài ra mình có chia các bài theo từng dạng câu hỏi để các bạn tiện tra cứu và
tham khảo.
Hoàng Nam

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DẠNG CÂU HỎI PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS ........................................................................................ 3
Environment.............................................................................................................................................. 3
Life expectancy ......................................................................................................................................... 4
DẠNG CÂU HỎI OPINION ........................................................................................................................ 5
Gender and university ............................................................................................................................... 5
Equality ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Help ........................................................................................................................................................... 7
Hobbies ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
Unpaid work.............................................................................................................................................. 9
Foreign tourists ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Salary ...................................................................................................................................................... 11

Private schools ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Wild animals ........................................................................................................................................... 13
DẠNG CÂU HỎI DISCUSSION + OPINION .......................................................................................... 14
Road safety.............................................................................................................................................. 14
Independence .......................................................................................................................................... 15
Artist ....................................................................................................................................................... 16
Animal testing ......................................................................................................................................... 17
Minority language ................................................................................................................................... 18
Museum .................................................................................................................................................. 19
Studying or working ............................................................................................................................... 20
Video games............................................................................................................................................ 21
DẠNG CÂU HỎI TWO-PART QUESTION ............................................................................................. 22
Happiness ................................................................................................................................................ 22
Parental roles........................................................................................................................................... 23
Economic success ................................................................................................................................... 24
Music ...................................................................................................................................................... 25
Technology ............................................................................................................................................. 26
Career ...................................................................................................................................................... 27

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DẠNG CÂU HỎI PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS
Environment
Explain some of the ways in which humans are damaging the environment. What can
governments do to address these problems? What can individual people do? Humans are

responsible for a variety of environmental problems, but we can also take steps to reduce the
damage that we are causing to the planet. This essay will discuss environmental problems and the
measures that governments and individuals can take to address these problems.
Two of the biggest threats to the environment are air pollution and waste. Gas emissions from
factories and exhaust fumes from vehicles lead to global warming, which may have a
devastating effect on the planet in the future. As the human population increases, we are also
producing ever greater quantities of waste, which contaminates the earth and pollutes rivers and
oceans.
Governments could certainly make more effort to reduce air pollution. They could introduce laws
to limit emissions from factories or to force companies to use renewable energy from solar, wind
or water power. They could also impose ‘green taxes’ on drivers and airline companies. In
this way, people would be encouraged to use public transport and to take fewer flights abroad,
therefore reducing emissions. Individuals should also take responsibility for the impact they have
on the environment. They can take public transport rather than driving, choose products with less
packaging, and recycle as much as possible. Most supermarkets now provide reusable bags for
shoppers as well as ‘banks’ for recycling glass, plastic and paper in their car parks. By reusing and
recycling, we can help to reduce waste.
In conclusion, both national governments and individuals must play their part in looking after the
environment.
(250 words, band 9)
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Life expectancy
In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this cause for
individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing

populations.
It is true that people in industrialised nations can expect to live longer than ever before.
Although there will undoubtedly be some negative consequences of this trend, societies can take
steps to mitigate these potential problems.As people live longer and the populations of developed
countries grow older, several related problems can be anticipated. The main issue is that there will
obviously be more people of retirement age who will be eligible to receive a pension. The
proportion of younger, working adults will be smaller, and governments will therefore receive less
money in taxes in relation to the size of the population. In other words, an ageing population will
mean a greater tax burden for working adults. Further pressures will include a rise in the demand
for healthcare, and the fact young adults will increasingly have to look after their elderly relatives.
There are several actions that governments could take to solve the problems described above.
Firstly, a simple solution would be to increase the retirement age for working adults, perhaps from
65 to 70. Nowadays, people of this age tend to be healthy enough to continue a productive working
life. A second measure would be for governments to encourage immigration in order to increase
the number of working adults who pay taxes. Finally, money from national budgets will need to
be taken from other areas and spent on vital healthcare, accommodation and transport
facilities for the rising numbers of older citizens.
In conclusion, various measures can be taken to tackle the problems that are certain to arise as the
populations of countries grow older.
(265 words, band 9)

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DẠNG CÂU HỎI OPINION
Gender and university

Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
In my opinion, men and women should have the same educational opportunities. However, I do
not agree with the idea of accepting equal proportions of each gender in every university subject.
Having the same number of men and women on all degree courses is simply unrealistic.
Student numbers on any course depend on the applications that the institution receives. If a
university decided to fill courses with equal numbers of males and females, it would need enough
applicants of each gender. In reality, many courses are more popular with one gender than the
other, and it would not be practical to aim for equal proportions. For example, nursing courses tend
to attract more female applicants, and it would be difficult to fill these courses if fifty per cent of
the places needed to go to males.
Apart from the practical concerns expressed above, I also believe that it would be unfair to base
admission to university courses on gender. Universities should continue to select the best
candidates for each course according to their qualifications. In this way, both men and women
have the same opportunities, and applicants know that they will be successful if they work hard to
achieve good grades at school. If a female student is the best candidate for a place on a course, it
is surely wrong to reject her in favour of a male student with lower grades or fewer qualifications.
In conclusion, the selection of university students should be based on merit, and it would be both
impractical and unfair to change to a selection procedure based on gender.
(265 words, band 9)

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Equality
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the relationship between equality and personal

achievement. Some people believe that individuals can achieve more in egalitarian societies.
Others believe that high levels of personal achievement are possible only if individuals are
free to succeed or fail according to their individual merits. What is your view of the relationship
between equality and personal success?
In my opinion, an egalitarian society is one in which everyone has the same rights and the same
opportunities. I completely agree that people can achieve more in this kind of society.Education
is an important factor with regard to personal success in life. I believe that all children
should have access to free schooling, and higher education should be either free or affordable for
all those who chose to pursue a university degree. In a society without free schooling or affordable
higher education, only children and young adults from wealthier families would have access
to the best learning opportunities, and they would therefore be better prepared for the job market.
This kind of inequality would ensure the success of some but harm the prospects of others.
I would argue that equal rights and opportunities are not in conflict with people’s freedom to
succeed or fail. In other words, equality does not mean that people lose their motivation to succeed,
or that they are not allowed to fail. On the contrary, I believe that most people would feel more
motivated to work hard and reach their potential if they thought that they lived in a fair society.
Those who did not make the same effort would know that they had wasted their opportunity.
Inequality, on the other hand, would be more likely to demotivate people because they would know
that the odds of success were stacked in favour of those from privileged backgrounds.
In conclusion, it seems to me that there is a positive relationship between equality and personal
success.
(260 words, band 9)

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Help
We cannot help everyone in the world that needs help, so we should only be concerned with our
own communities and countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement?
Some people believe that we should not help people in other countries as long as there are problems
in our own society. I disagree with this view because I believe that we should try to help as many
people as possible.
On the one hand, I accept that it is important to help our neighbours and fellow citizens. In most
communities there are people who are impoverished or disadvantaged in some way. It is possible
to find homeless people, for example, in even the wealthiest of cities, and for those who are
concerned about this problem, there are usually opportunities to volunteer time or give money to
support these people. In the UK, people can help in a variety of ways, from donating clothing to
serving free food in a soup kitchen. As the problems are on our doorstep, and there are obvious
ways to help, I can understand why some people feel that we should prioritise local charity.
At the same time, I believe that we have an obligation to help those who live beyond our national
borders. In some countries the problems that people face are much more serious than those in our
own communities, and it is often even easier to help. For example, when children are dying from
curable diseases in African countries, governments and individuals in richer countries can save
lives simply by paying for vaccines that already exist. A small donation to an international charity
might have a much greater impact than helping in our local area.
In conclusion, it is true that we cannot help everyone, but in my opinion national boundaries should
not stop us from helping those who are in need.
(280 words, band 9)

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Hobbies
Some people believe that hobbies need to be difficult to be enjoyable. To what extent do you agree
or disagree?
Some hobbies are relatively easy, while others present more of a challenge. Personally, I
believe that both types of hobby can be fun, and I therefore disagree with the statement that hobbies
need to be difficult in order to be enjoyable.
On the one hand, many people enjoy easy hobbies. One example of an activity that is easy for most
people is swimming. This hobby requires very little equipment, it is simple to learn, and it is
inexpensive. I remember learning to swim at my local swimming pool when I was a child, and it
never felt like a demanding or challenging experience. Another hobby that I find easy and fun is
photography. In my opinion, anyone can take interesting pictures without knowing too much about
the technicalities of operating a camera. Despite being straightforward, taking photos is a satisfying
activity.
On the other hand, difficult hobbies can sometimes be more exciting. If an activity is more
challenging, we might feel a greater sense of satisfaction when we manage to do it successfully.
For example, film editing is a hobby that requires a high level of knowledge and expertise. In my
case, it took me around two years before I became competent at this activity, but now I enjoy it
much more than I did when I started. I believe that many hobbies give us more pleasure when we
reach a higher level of performance because the results are better and the feeling of achievement
is greater.
In conclusion, simple hobbies can be fun and relaxing, but difficult hobbies can be equally
pleasurable for different reasons.
(266 words, band 9)

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Unpaid work
Some people think that all teenagers should be required to do unpaid work in their free time to
help the local community. They believe this would benefit both the individual teenager and society
as a whole. Do you agree or disagree?
Many young people work on a volunteer basis, and this can only be beneficial for both the
individual and society as a whole. However, I do not agree that we should therefore force all
teenagers to do unpaid work.
Most young people are already under enough pressure with their studies, without being given the
added responsibility of working in their spare time. School is just as demanding as a fulltime job,
and teachers expect their students to do homework and exam revision on top of attending
lessons every day. When young people do have some free time, we should encourage them to
enjoy it with their friends or to spend it doing sports and other leisure activities. They have many
years of work ahead of them when they finish their studies.
At the same time, I do not believe that society has anything to gain from obliging young people to
do unpaid work. In fact, I would argue that it goes against the values of a free and fair society to
force a group of people to do something against their will. Doing this can only lead to resentment
amongst young people, who would feel that they were being used, and parents, who would not
want to be told how to raise their children. Currently, nobody is forced to volunteer, and this is
surely the best system.
In conclusion, teenagers may choose to work for free and help others, but in my opinion we should
not make this compulsory.
(250 words, band 9)

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Foreign tourists
Foreign visitors should pay more than local visitors for cultural and historical attractions. To what
extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
It is sometimes argued that tourists from overseas should be charged more than local residents to
visit important sites and monuments. I completely disagree with this idea.
The argument in favour of higher prices for foreign tourists would be that cultural or historical
attractions often depend on state subsidies to keep them going, which means that the resident
population already pays money to these sites through the tax system. However, I believe this to be
a very shortsighted view. Foreign tourists contribute to the economy of the host country with the
money they spend on a wide range of goods and services, including food, souvenirs,
accommodation and travel. The governments and inhabitants of every country should be happy to
subsidise important tourist sites and encourage people from the rest of the world to visit them.
If travellers realised that they would have to pay more to visit historical and cultural attractions in
a particular nation, they would perhaps decide not to go to that country on holiday. To take the UK
as an example, the tourism industry and many related jobs rely on visitors coming to the country
to see places like Windsor Castle or Saint Paul’s Cathedral. These two sites charge the same price
regardless of nationality, and this helps to promote the nation’s cultural heritage. If overseas
tourists stopped coming due to higher prices, there would be a risk of insufficient funding for the
maintenance of these important buildings.
In conclusion, I believe that every effort should be made to attract tourists from overseas, and it
would be counterproductive to make them pay more than local residents.
(269 words, band 9)

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Salary
When choosing a job, the salary is the most important consideration. To what extent do you agree
or disagree?
Many people choose their jobs based on the size of the salary offered. Personally, I disagree with
the idea that money is the key consideration when deciding on a career, because I believe that other
factors are equally important.
On the one hand, I agree that money is necessary in order for people to meet their basic needs. For
example, we all need money to pay for housing, food, bills, health care, and education. Most people
consider it a priority to at least earn a salary that allows them to cover these needs and have a
reasonable quality of life. If people chose their jobs based on enjoyment or other non-financial
factors, they might find it difficult to support themselves. Artists and musicians, for instance, are
known for choosing a career path that they love, but that does not always provide them with enough
money to live comfortably and raise a family.
Nevertheless, I believe that other considerations are just as important as what we earn in our jobs.
Firstly, personal relationships and the atmosphere in a workplace are extremely important when
choosing a job. Having a good manager or friendly colleagues, for example, can make a huge
difference to workers’ levels of happiness and general quality of life. Secondly, many people’s
feelings of job satisfaction come from their professional achievements, the skills they learn, and
the position they reach, rather than the money they earn. Finally, some people choose a career
because they want to help others and contribute something positive to society.
In conclusion, while salaries certainly affect people’s choice of profession, I do not believe that
money outweighs all other motivators.
(274 words, band 9)

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Private schools
Families who send their children to private schools should not be required to pay taxes that support
the state education system. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Some people believe that parents of children who attend private schools should not need to
contribute to state schools through taxes. Personally, I completely disagree with this view.
For a variety of reasons, it would be wrong to reduce taxes for families who pay for private
education. Firstly, it would be difficult to calculate the correct amount of tax reduction for these
families, and staff would be required to manage this complex process. Secondly, we all pay a
certain amount of tax for public services that we may not use. For example, most people are
fortunate enough not to have to call the police or fire brigade at any time in their lives, but they
would not expect a tax reduction for this. Finally, if wealthy families were given a tax discount for
sending their children to private schools, we might have a situation where poorer people pay higher
taxes than the rich.
In my opinion, we should all be happy to pay our share of the money that supports public schools.
It is beneficial for all members of society to have a high quality education system with equal
opportunities for all young people. This will result in a well-educated workforce, and in turn a
more productive and prosperous nation. Parents of children in private schools may also see the
advantages of this in their own lives. For example, a company owner will need well
qualified and competent staff, and a well-funded education system can provide such
employees.
In conclusion, I do not believe that any financial concessions should be made for people who
choose private education.
(267 words, band 9)

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Wild animals
Wild animals have no place in the 21st century, so protecting them is a waste of resources. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people argue that it is pointless to spend money on the protection of wild animals because
we humans have no need for them. I completely disagree with this point of view.
In my opinion, it is absurd to argue that wild animals have no place in the 21st century. I do not
believe that planet Earth exists only for the benefit of humans, and there is nothing special about
this particular century that means that we suddenly have the right to allow or encourage the
extinction of any species. Furthermore, there is no compelling reason why we should let animals
die out. We do not need to exploit or destroy every last square metre of land in order to feed or
accommodate the world’s population. There is plenty of room for us to exist side by side with wild
animals, and this should be our aim.
I also disagree with the idea that protecting animals is a waste of resources. It is usually the
protection of natural habitats that ensures the survival of wild animals, and most scientists agree
that these habitats are also crucial for human survival. For example, rainforests produce oxygen,
absorb carbon dioxide and stabilise the Earth’s climate. If we destroyed these areas, the costs of
managing the resulting changes to our planet would far outweigh the costs of conservation. By
protecting wild animals and their habitats, we maintain the natural balance of all life on Earth.
In conclusion, we have no right to decide whether or not wild animals should exist, and I believe
that we should do everything we can to protect them.
(269 words, band 9)

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DẠNG CÂU HỎI DISCUSSION + OPINION
Road safety
Some people think that strict punishments for driving offences are the key to reducing traffic
accidents. Others, however, believe that other measures would be more effective in improving
road safety. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. People have differing views with
regard to the question of how to make our roads safer. In my view, both punishments and a range
of other measures can be used together to promote better driving habits.
On the one hand, strict punishments can certainly help to encourage people to drive more safely.
Penalties for dangerous drivers can act as a deterrent, meaning that people avoid repeating
the same offence. There are various types of driving penalty, such as small fines, licence
suspension, driver awareness courses, and even prison sentences. The aim of these punishments is
to show dangerous drivers that their actions have negative consequences. As a result, we would
hope that drivers become more disciplined and alert, and that they follow the rules more carefully.
On the other hand, I believe that safe driving can be promoted in several different ways that do not
punish drivers. Firstly, it is vitally important to educate people properly before they start to drive,
and this could be done in schools or even as part of an extended or more difficult driving test.
Secondly, more attention could be paid to safe road design. For example, signs can be used to
warn people, speed bumps and road bends can be added to calm traffic, and speed cameras can
help to deter people from driving too quickly. Finally, governments or local councils could reduce
road accidents by investing in better public transport, which would mean that fewer people would
need to travel by car.
In conclusion, while punishments can help to prevent bad driving, I believe that other road safety
measures should also be introduced.
(269 words, band 9)

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Independence
Some people think that in the modern world we are more dependent on each other, while others
think that people have become more independent. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
People have different views about whether we are more or less dependent on others nowadays. In
my view, modern life forces us to be more independent than people were in the past.
There are two main reasons why it could be argued that we are more dependent on each other now.
Firstly, life is more complex and difficult, especially because the cost of living has increased
so dramatically. For example, young adults tend to rely on their parents for help when buying a
house. Property prices are higher than ever, and without help it would be impossible for
many people to pay a deposit and a mortgage. Secondly, people seem to be more ambitious
nowadays, and they want a better quality of life for their families. This means that both parents
usually need to work full-time, and they depend on support from grandparents and babysitters for
child care.
However, I would agree with those who believe that people are more independent these days. In
most countries, families are becoming smaller and more dispersed, which means that people cannot
count on relatives as much as they used to. We also have more freedom to travel and live far away
from our home towns. For example, many students choose to study abroad instead of going
to their local university, and this experience makes them more independent as they learn to live
alone. Another factor in this growing independence is technology, which allows us to work alone
and from any part of the world.
In conclusion, while there are some reasons to believe that people now depend on each other more,
my own view is that we are more independent than ever.
(279 words, band 9)

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Artist
Some people think that governments should give financial support to creative artists such as
painters and musicians. Others believe that creative artists should be funded by alternative
sources. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.People have different views about the
funding of creative artists. While some people disagree with the idea of government support for
artists, I believe that money for art projects should come from both governments and other sources.
Some art projects definitely require help from the state. In the UK, there are many works of art in
public spaces, such as streets or squares in city centres. In Liverpool, for example, there are several
new statues and sculptures in the docks area of the city, which has been redeveloped recently.
These artworks represent culture, heritage and history. They serve to educate people about the city,
and act as landmarks or talking points for visitors and tourists. Governments and local councils
should pay creative artists to produce this kind of art, because without their funding our cities
would be much less interesting and attractive.
On the other hand, I can understand the arguments against government funding for art. The main
reason for this view is that governments have more important concerns. For example, state budgets
need to be spent on education, healthcare, infrastructure and security, among other areas. These
public services are vital for a country to function properly, whereas the work of creative artists,
even in public places, is a luxury. Another reason for this opinion is that artists do a job like any
other professional, and they should therefore earn their own money by selling their work.
In conclusion, there are good reasons why artists should rely on alternative sources of financial
support, but in my opinion government help is sometimes necessary.
(262 words, band 9)

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Animal testing
Nowadays animal experiments are widely used to develop new medicines and to test the safety
of other products. Some people argue that these experiments should be banned because it
is morally wrong to cause animals to suffer, while others are in favour of them because of their
benefits to humanity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.It is true that medicines and
other products are routinely tested on animals before they are cleared for human use. While I
tend towards the viewpoint that animal testing is morally wrong, I would have to support
a limited amount of animal experimentation for the development of medicines.
On the one hand, there are clear ethical arguments against animal experimentation. To use a
common example of this practice, laboratory mice may be given an illness so that the
effectiveness of a new drug can be measured. Opponents of such research argue that humans have
no right to subject animals to this kind of trauma, and that the lives of all creatures should be
respected. They believe that the benefits to humans do not justify the suffering caused, and that
scientists should use alternative methods of research.
On the other hand, reliable alternatives to animal experimentation may not always be available.
Supporters of the use of animals in medical research believe that a certain amount of suffering on
the part of mice or rats can be justified if human lives are saved. They argue that opponents of such
research might feel differently if a member of their own families needed a medical treatment that
had been developed through the use of animal experimentation. Personally, I agree with the
banning of animal testing for non-medical products, but I feel that it may be a necessary evil where
new drugs and medical procedures are concerned.
In conclusion, it seems to me that it would be wrong to ban testing on animals for vital medical
research until equally effective alternatives have been developed.
(270 words, band 9)

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Minority language
Several languages are in danger of extinction because they are spoken by very small
numbers of people. Some people say that governments should spend public money on saving these
languages, while others believe that would be a waste of money. Discuss both these views and
give your opinion.
It is true that some minority languages may disappear in the near future. Although it can be argued
that governments could save money by allowing this to happen, I believe that these languages
should be protected and preserved.There are several reasons why saving minority languages could
be seen as a waste of money. Firstly, if a language is only spoken by a small number of
people, expensive education programmes will be needed to make sure that more people learn it,
and the state will have to pay for facilities, teachers and marketing. This money might be better
spent on other public services. Secondly, it would be much cheaper and more efficient for countries
to have just one language. Governments could cut all kinds of costs related to communicating
with each minority group.
Despite the above arguments, I believe that governments should try to preserve languages that are
less widely spoken. A language is much more than simply a means of communication; it has a
vital connection with the cultural identity of the people who speak it. If a language
disappears, a whole way of life will disappear with it, and we will lose the rich cultural
diversity that makes societies more interesting. By spending money to protect minority
languages, governments can also preserve traditions, customs and behaviours that are part of a
country’s history.
In conclusion, it may save money in the short term if we allow minority languages to disappear,

but in the long term this would have an extremely negative impact on our cultural heritage.
(258 words, band 9)

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Museum
Some people think that museums should be enjoyable places to entertain people, while
others believe that the purpose of museums is to educate. Discuss both views and give you own
opinion.
People have different views about the role and function of museums. In my opinion, museums can
and should be both entertaining and educational.
On the one hand, it can be argued that the main role of a museum is to entertain. Museums are
tourist attractions, and their aim is to exhibit a collection of interesting objects that many
people will want to see. The average visitor may become bored if he or she has to read or listen to
too much educational content, so museums often put more of an emphasis on enjoyment rather
than learning. This type of museum is designed to be visually spectacular, and may have interactive
activities or even games as part of its exhibitions.
On the other hand, some people argue that museums should focus on education. The aim of any
exhibition should be to teach visitors something that they did not previously know. Usually this
means that the history behind the museum’s exhibits needs to be explained, and this can be done
in various ways. Some museums employ professional guides to talk to their visitors, while other
museums offer headsets so that visitors can listen to detailed commentary about the exhibition.
In this way, museums can play an important role in teaching people about history, culture,
science and many other aspects of life.
In conclusion, it seems to me that a good museum should be able to offer an interesting,

enjoyable and educational experience so that people can have fun and learn something at the same
time.
(253 words, band 9)

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Studying or working
Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a successful career,
while others believe that it is better to get a job straight after school. Discuss both views and give
your opinion.
When they finish school, teenagers face the dilemma of whether to get a job or continue their
education. While there are some benefits to getting a job straight after school, I would argue that
it is better to go to college or university. The option to start work straight after school is attractive
for several reasons. Many young people want to start earning money as soon as possible. In
this way, they can become independent, and they will be able to afford their own house or start
a family. In terms of their career, young people who decide to find work, rather than continue their
studies, may progressmore quickly. They will have the chance to gain real experience and
learn practical skills related to their chosen profession. This may lead to promotions and a
successful career.
On the other hand, I believe that it is more beneficial for students to continue their studies. Firstly,
academic qualifications are required in many professions. For example, it is impossible to become
a doctor, teacher or lawyer without having the relevant degree. As a result, university
graduates have access to more and better job opportunities, and they tend to earn higher salaries
than those with fewer qualifications. Secondly, the job market is becoming increasingly
competitive, and sometimes there are hundreds of applicants for one position in a company. Young

people who do not have qualifications from a university or college will not be able to compete.
For the reasons mentioned above, it seems to me that students are more likely to be successful in
their careers if they continue their studies beyond school level.
(271 words, band 9)

pg. 20


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Video games
Some people regard video games as harmless fun, or even as a useful educational tool.
Others, however, believe that videos games are having an adverse effect on the people who play
them. In your opinion, do the drawbacks of video games outweigh the benefits?
Many people, and children in particular, enjoy playing computer games. While I accept that these
games can sometimes have a positive effect on the user, I believe that they are more likely to have
a harmful impact.
On the one hand, video games can be both entertaining and educational. Users, or gamers, are
transported into virtual worlds which are often more exciting and engaging than real-life
pastimes. From an educational perspective, these games encourage imagination and creativity, as
well as concentration, logical thinking and problem solving, all of which are useful skills outside
the gaming context. Furthermore, it has been shown that computer simulation games can improve
users’ motor skills and help to prepare them for real-world tasks, such as flying a plane.
However, I would argue that these benefits are outweighed by the drawbacks. Gaming can be
highly addictive because users are constantly given scores, new targets and frequent rewards to
keep them playing. Many children now spend hours each day trying to progress through the levels
of a game or to get a higher score than their friends. This type of addiction can have effects ranging
from lack of sleep to problems at school, when homework is sacrificed for a few more hours on

the computer or console. The rise in obesity in recent years has also been linkedin part to the
sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise that often accompany gaming addiction.
In conclusion, it seems to me that the potential dangers of video games are more signific ant than
the possible benefits.
(258 words, band 9)

pg. 21


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DẠNG CÂU HỎI TWO-PART QUESTION
Happiness
Happiness is considered very important in life. Why is it difficult to define? What factors are
important in achieving happiness?
It is no doubt true that the majority of people would like to be happy in their lives. While the
personal nature of happiness makes it difficult to describe, there do seem to be some common
needs that we all share with regard to experiencing or achieving happiness.
Happiness is difficult to define because it means something different to each individual person.
Nobody can fully understand or experience another person’s feelings, and we all have our own
particular passions from which we take pleasure. Some people, for example, derive a sense of
satisfaction from earning money or achieving success, whereas for others, health and family are
much more important. At the same time, a range of other feelings, from excitement to peacefulness,
may be associated with the idea of happiness, and the same person may therefore feel happy in a
variety of different ways.
Although it seems almost impossible to give a precise definition of happiness, most people would
agree that there are some basic preconditions to achieving it. Firstly, it is hard for a person to be
happy if he or she does not have a safe place to live and enough food to eat. Our basic survival

needs must surely be met before we can lead a pleasant life. Secondly, the greatest joy in
life is usually found in shared experiences with family and friends, and it is rare to find a person
who is content to live in complete isolation. Other key factors could be individual freedom
and a sense of purpose in life.
In conclusion, happiness is difficult to define because it is particular to each individual, but I
believe that our basic needs for shelter, food and company need to be fulfilled before we can
experience it.
(292 words, band 9)

pg. 22


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Parental roles
These days more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while mothers go out to work.
What could be the reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or a negative development?
It is true that men are increasingly likely to take on the role of househusband, while more women
than ever are the breadwinners in their families. There could be several reasons for this, and I
consider it to be a very positive trend.
In recent years, parents have had to adapt to various changes in our societies. Equal rights
movements have made great progress, and it has become normal for women to gain
qualifications and pursue a career. It has also become socially acceptable for men to stay at home
and look after their children. At the same time, the rising cost of living has meant that both
marriage partners usually need to work and save money before starting a family. Therefore,
when couples have children, they may decide who works and who stays at home depending on the
personal preference of each partner, or based on which partner earns the most money.
In my view, the changes described above should be seen as progress. We should be happy to live

in a society in which men and women have equal opportunities, and in which women are not put
under pressure to sacrifice their careers. Equally, it seems only fair that men should be free to leave
their jobs in order to assume childcare responsibilities if this is what they wish to do. Couples
should be left to make their own decisions about which parental role each partner takes, according
to their particular circumstances and needs.
In conclusion, the changing roles of men and women in the family are a result of wider changes in
society, and I believe that these developments are desirable.
(274 words, band 9)

pg. 23


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Economic success
Economic progress is often used to measure a country's success. However, some people believe
that other factors are more important. What other factors should also be considered when
measuring a country's success? Do you think one factor is more important than others?
The relative success of different countries is usually defined in economic terms. There are several
other factors, apart from the economy, that could be used to assess a country, and in my opinion
education is the most important of all.
Standards of education, health and individual human rights should certainly be considered when
measuring a country’s status. A good education system is vital for the development of any nation,
with schools, colleges and universities bearing the responsibility for the quality of future
generations of workers. Healthcare provision is also an indicator of the standard of living within
a country, and this can be measured by looking at average life expectancy rates or availability
of medical services. Finally, human rights and levels of equality could be taken into account. For
example, a country in which women do not have the same opportunities as men might be

considered less successful than a country with better gender equality.
In my view, a country’s education system should be seen as the most important indicator of its
success and level of development. This is because education has a considerable effect on the other
two factors mentioned above. It affects people’s health in the sense that doctors and nurses need
to be trained, and scientists need to be educated to the highest levels before they can carry out
medical research. It also affects the economy in the sense that a well-educated workforce will
allow a variety of companies and industries to flourish, leading to trade with other countries, and
increased wealth.
In conclusion, nations can be assessed and compared in a variety of ways, but I would argue that
the standard of a country's education system is the best measure of its success.
(288 words, band 9)

pg. 24


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Music
There are many different types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the
traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere
nowadays?
It is true that a rich variety of musical styles can be found around the world. Music is a vital part
of all human cultures for a range of reasons, and I would argue that traditional music is more
important than modern, international music.
Music is something that accompanies all of us throughout our lives. As children, we are taught
songs by our parents and teachers as a means of learning language, or simply as a form of
enjoyment. Children delight in singing with others, and it would appear that the act of singing in
a group creates a connection between participants, regardless of their age. Later in life, people’s

musical preferences develop, and we come to see our favourite songs as part of our life stories.
Music both expresses and arouses emotions in a way that words alone cannot. In short, it is difficult
to imagine life without it.
In my opinion, traditional music should be valued over the international music that has become so
popular. International pop music is often catchy and fun, but it is essentially a commercial product
that is marketed and sold by business people. Traditional music, by contrast, expresses the culture,
customs and history of a country. Traditional styles, such as ...(example)..., connect us to the past
and form part of our cultural identity. It would be a real pity if pop music became so predominant
that these national styles disappeared.
In conclusion, music is a necessary part of human existence, and I believe that traditional music
should be given more importance than international music.
(260 words, band 9)

pg. 25